How to grow cucumbers in pots: trellis, water and steady harvests

Pot and soil

At least 20-25 litres (5-7 gallons) per plant, rich free-draining mix and a 1.5 m (5 ft) net or trellis to climb. Pick compact or pickling varieties.

Full sun and warmth. Plant out once nights stay above 14 °C (57 °F).

Plenty, regularly: about every 2 days, daily in hot spells. At the base, keeping the leaves dry.

Roughly every 10 days with a potassium-rich feed from flowering.

When it's ready

Firm, dark green cucumbers 15-20 cm long (5-8 cm for gherkins).

How to harvest

Snip the stalk. Yellowing ones are overripe and slow the plant down.

Bitter fruit

Heat or drought stress. Water regularly and shade in the hottest hours.

Flowers drop without fruit

No pollinators: hand-pollinate, or choose parthenocarpic varieties that don't need it.

White powder on leaves

Powdery mildew, common in late summer: remove affected leaves and keep air moving.

Can you grow cucumbers in pots?

Yes, with at least 20-25 litres (5-7 gallons) per plant and something to climb.

When should I pick cucumbers?

When dark green and firm, 15-20 cm (6-8 in) long (5-8 cm for pickling types). Yellowing means overripe.

How often should I pick them?

Every 2-3 days in peak season: frequent picking means more fruit.